The Populist Explosion

How the Great Recession Transformed American and European Politics

By: John B. Judis

Narrated by: Coleen Marlo

What's happening in global politics? As if overnight, many Democrats revolted and passionately backed a socialist named Bernie Sanders; the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union; the vituperative billionaire Donald Trump became the presidential nominee of the Republican party; and a slew of rebellious parties continued to win elections in Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Austria, and Greece.

John B. Judis, one of America's most respected political analysts, tells us why we need to learn about the populist movement that began in the United States in the 1890s, the politics of which have recurred on both sides of the Atlantic ever since. Populism, on both the right and the left, champions the people against an establishment, based on issues - globalization, free trade, immigration - on which there has been a strong elite consensus, but also a strong mass discontent that is now breaking out into the open.

The Populist Explosion is essential listening for our times as we grapple to understand the political forces at work here and in Europe.

©2016 John B. Judis (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Far and away the most incisive examination of the central development in contemporary politics: the rise of populism on both the right and the left. Superb." (Thomas Edsall, New York Times columnist)

Needs an update

This book, and the reader, would benefit greatly from an update based upon the last 4 years.

Best at the end

While the history of populism in the western world was interesting, it was the final chapter that really made this book worthwhile. As someone skeptical of populism, the book has made me more sympathetic to supporters of populist candidates.

Very informative to say the least 

This Audible original is without a doubt, the best political engineered piece of literature I have ever read. The reason I say that is because it tells the truth about modern politics and society today.

Although, it is outdated by two election cycles. it is still relevant to the political taking time bomb of today. That in itself is without a doubt interesting whether you are interested in politics or not.

Therefore, for anybody who is interested in going into politics and government; I would deeply encourage that they listen or read this piece of informative literature, and then consider their options.

I myself have muddled over the idea in my head, going into politics/government because I in my own opinion, believe that I can contribute to the United States government, and make a difference.

Therefore, I would try my very best not to add to the problem, but come up with a solution for modern Day politics. Otherwise, today’s political situation I fear is like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off.

My biggest fear for modern day politics is that one day the turmoil temperature of American politics boil over, and it will be too late for us as Americans to fix anything.

Long story short, I strongly encourage anybody to read this book. It is a great read for anybody going into politics, or anybody who is interested in reading about our political climate of today.

Perspective

This book helped me process the recent US election by putting it into a larger perspective of what is happening politically around the world.

Listing of facts, history and conclusions...NOTHING MORE!!

It provides brief details on events and movements but truly is like listening to someone read a list of facts.

Not horrible in that I did learn something but far from what it could be.